Destination guideUnited Arab Emirates
FROMLON
ABOUT 8 HRS ✈️
TODXB

Family holidays in Dubai

Winter sun, water parks and the tallest building in the world. Here's what Dubai is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏙️ City break, 🏖️ Beach, 🧘 Relax & spa
NIGHTS AWAY5 to 7
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSNov–Mar
Add Dubai to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Dubai at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 8 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
3 TO 4 HRS AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
UAE DIRHAM (AED)
ENTRY
NO VISA NEEDED IN ADVANCE
PLUGS
TYPE G · SAME AS THE UK

Rules on medicines are strict. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANWarm, best time to go
  2. FEBWarm, best time to go
  3. MARWarm, best time to go
  4. APRHot, a good time to go
  5. MAYVery hot, quieter
  6. JUNVery hot, quieter
  7. JULVery hot, quieter
  8. AUGVery hot, quieter
  9. SEPVery hot, quieter
  10. OCTHot, a good time to go
  11. NOVWarm, best time to go
  12. DECWarm, busy, best time to go

November to March is the season, with warm sunny days that suit beaches and outdoor sights. Summer is extremely hot, so everything moves indoors, but hotels are much cheaper. Ramadan moves each year and brings shorter opening hours, so check the dates.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Burj Khalifa

The world's tallest building. Go up near sunset and book ahead.

INDOORS

Dubai Aquarium

A huge tank inside Dubai Mall that you can see for free.

TICKETED

Aquaventure Waterpark

Record-breaking slides at Atlantis on the Palm.

CHEAP

Abra across Dubai Creek

A dirham each. Hop on a wooden water taxi to the old souks.

TICKETED

Desert safari

Dune drives, camel rides and dinner under the stars. Pick a family-friendly tour.

FREE

Kite Beach

A clean public beach with play areas and a view of the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai: common questions

Is Dubai good for a family holiday?

Yes, especially for winter sun. Hotels are built for families, it's very safe, and the flight is about seven hours with little jet lag.

How many nights do you need?

Five to seven nights mixes beach days with the big sights. It also works well as a stopover on the way to Asia or Australia.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders get a free visit visa on arrival. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

What should we wear?

Beachwear is fine at the beach and pool. Cover shoulders and knees in malls, the old town and religious sites.

If you like Dubai

AUHAbu Dhabi🏖️ Beach
MCTOman🥾 Nature & hiking
CPTCape Town☀️ Winter sunTYOTokyo🏙️ City break

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